Ultra-low-noise Regenerative Frequency Divider for High Spectral Purity RF Signal Generation

Published

May 24, 2012

Author(s)

Archita Hati, Craig W. Nelson, Corey A. Barnes, Danielle G. Lirette, Jason A. DeSalvo, Tara M. Fortier, Franklyn J. Quinlan, Andrew D. Ludlow, Till P. Rosenband, Scott A. Diddams, David A. Howe

Abstract

We implement an ultra-low-noise frequency divider chain from 8 GHz to 5 MHz that utilizes custom-built regenerative frequency divide-by-2 circuits. The single-sideband (SSB) residual phase noise of this regenerative divider at 5 MHz output is -163 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz offset frequency. This level is achieved with custom-built mixers that use 2N2222A bipolar junction transistors in a conventional double-balanced diode ring. We report absolute PM noise of radio- frequency (RF) signals at 10 MHz and 5 MHz obtained by dividing an 8 GHz signal generated from ultra-stable optical comb-based frequency division. The absolute SSB phase noise for a 10 MHz and 5 MHz signal at 1 Hz offset is – 143 dBc/Hz and -150 dBc/Hz and at 100 kHz offset is -174 dBc/Hz and -177 dBc/Hz, respectively.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of 2012 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium

Conference Dates

May 22-24, 2012

Conference Location

Baltimore, MD

Conference Title

2012 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Frequency synthesis, Mixer, Phase noise, Regenerative divider

Citation

Hati, A. , Nelson, C. , Barnes, C. , Lirette, D. , DeSalvo, J. , Fortier, T. , Quinlan, F. , Ludlow, A. , Rosenband, T. , Diddams, S. and Howe, D. (2012), Ultra-low-noise Regenerative Frequency Divider for High Spectral Purity RF Signal Generation, Proceedings of 2012 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium, Baltimore, MD (Accessed October 10, 2025)